News

RICS launch new energy efficiency tools

RICS launch a new guide, mobile and web tools to help SMEs understand the office leasing process and energy efficiency. An app will help compare energy, occupancy and lighting costs of a space for lease and track energy bills.

NABERS introduces data centre tool

NABERS have announced the launch of their Energy for Data Centres rating tools in response to increasing energy consumption for data processing and storage as a result of the rapidly growing technology sector.

NABERS launches Tenant Energy Management Guide

Earlier this month NABERS announced the launch of their comprehensive new guide - the Energy Management Guide for Tenants - to help office tenants take control of their energy costs and environmental impacts.

Flick the switch for Earth Hour

From its beginnings in Sydney, Earth Hour support has grown to 135 countries across the world. The simple act of turning off lights continues to deliver a powerful message about the need for action on climate change.

CitySwitch half-way there to office space target

The City of Sydney has extended funding for the successful CitySwitch Green Office office energy efficiency program for another three years as it reaches 10 per cent of commercial office space across the nation.

Industry News

Investa achieves first Science Based Target approval in Australia

Investa today announced it has achieved Australia’s first approved real estate Science Based Target, verifying Investa’s ambitious, net zero carbon emissions by 2040 target and re-enforcing Investa’s leadership in committing to the rigour and quality of this globally recognised framework.

Fujitsu's NABERS rating of its data centre portfolio

Psaros wins two prestigious sustainability awards

Source: Infolink

Leading Western Australian property developer Psaros was the recipient of two prestigious awards for sustainable development, cementing the company’s position as the leader in environmental design and sustainable practices in Perth.

In a first for a WA developer, Psaros won the National Banksia Sustainability Award for Sustainability Leadership as well as the CitySwitch State Award for New Signatory of the Year.

Geelong, CBRE and Echo big winners at national CitySwitch awards

Source: The Fifth Estate A project that slashed carbon emissions by 43 per cent has seen Future Proofing Geelong and Ryrie Centre Property take home the National Partnership of the Year Award at the national CitySwitch awards for commercial office energy efficiency.

CBRE took home the National Signatory of the Year award following their NSW win, while another NSW winner, Echo Entertainment Group, took home the National New Signatory of the Year award

Smart, green finance delivering efficient buildings in Sydney

Source: Retrofit AustraliaIn June, the City of Sydney signed an Environmental Upgrade Agreement (EUA) to fund energy efficient lighting, air conditioning and building management system (BMS) upgrades to James’ Hall in Sydney. Under these agreements tenants provide contributions equal to or less than the savings they make in their utility bills as a result of the upgrade works. These contributions can then be used by the building owner to service the loan repayments and greatly improve the return on investment. In addition, once the EUA is paid off, the tenants and building owner continue to benefit from reduced utility bills.

The Tenants and Landlords Guide to Happiness (chapter 8)

Source: The Fifth Estate

Despite the best intentions, most building owners and tenants struggle to keep up regular communication that could enhance their efficient use of the building, improve wellbeing of employees and substantially cut their business costs.

Find out more about the CitySwitch Vertical Communities initiative, the benefits of collaboration from industry and successful tenant and landlord staff engagement programs in this latest chapter.

How the Renewable Energy Target affects your business

Source: The Fifth Estate

Changes to the RET could have significant implications for businesses wanting to take steps to reduce carbon footprints. Darren Willman from Climate Friendly a CitySwitch signator, discusses the impact of changes to the RET and why businesses should want to defend it in this article for The Fifth Estate.

CitySwitch partners with RMIT students to deliver resource assessments

Source: The Fifth EstateCommercial office tenant energy efficiency program CitySwitch has partnered with graduating environment students from RMIT to deliver resource assessments for participating signatories in Melbourne. There is only availability for 10-12 businesses this year, with only current CitySwitch signatories eligible.

Stay Connected

The Greenhouse Sessions

The Greenhouse Sessions are a monthly gathering of influential business leaders, passionate change-makers, experts and people curious to understand how we can leverage emerging technology to save the planet.

Participation in CitySwitch local program activities (up to 10 points)

The submitting entity MUST be a CitySwitch Signatory

Note, Signatories submitting for the Partnership of the Year Award may submit an accredited NABERS tenancy, whole building or base building rating.

It’s easy and free to join the program. Your good-will commitment to the program is an acknowledgement of the business sector’s role in
contributing to environmental sustainability and your intention to reduce your own energy consumption and associated carbon emissions.

As part of this, Signatories to the program commit to achieve an accredited NABERS Energy tenancy rating (between 4 and 6 stars) and
work with CitySwitch to improve their tenancy’s environmental performance.

Find out more about how obtaining a NABERS Energy rating ensures you can benchmark your performance, better manage your progress
over time and promote your star rating achievement.